Gala, Charity and Awards Outfits

A woman at a charity or work gala wears a floor length gown, a midi evening dress, or a wide leg evening jumpsuit, with a coat cut to meet the hem. Luna makes the gowns and the coats in its own atelier in Serbia, ships from California, and accepts returns for 30 days.

What the dress code on the invitation means

Black tie asks for a floor length gown. Black tie optional keeps the gown as the safest choice and also accepts a midi evening dress, a formal jumpsuit, or wide leg evening pants with a dressy top. Cocktail attire means a dress at or below the knee in a dressier fabric than you would wear to the office. When the invitation says only “gala”, ask the host which of the 3 applies, or look at photographs from the same event last year.

Gowns and jumpsuits for the evening

• The Iris Off-Shoulder Maxi Gown in Anthracite ($770) is a long gown, 58 inches from the back of the neck to the hem on a size 2, with a draped off-shoulder neckline and a tiered sheer waist band set with small dark crystals. The Iris Off-Shoulder Maxi Gown in Navy ($770) has a pleated off-shoulder neckline, a beaded waist and a hem 56 inches from the back of the neck on a size 2.
• The Greta Long Dress in Turquoise Black ($670) has a teal sequined bodice and a black chiffon skirt that falls to the floor, with short cap sleeves.
• The Rebeka Long Dress in Plum ($670) has an empire bodice, a belt at the waist, and removable sheer drape sleeves, so it reads sleeveless or draped.
• The Alis Off-Shoulder Metallic Gown in Bordeaux ($770) has a front slit and a fishtail hem that finishes at the ankle.
• The Tina Jumpsuit in Green ($695) is a floor length wide leg jumpsuit with a detachable ombre upper layer. The Jody Lace Jumpsuit in Black ($550) is sleeveless, with a European lace bodice and wide legs, for the woman who wants to sit, walk and dance with no hem to manage.
• For a shorter hem, the Eli High Low Evening Dress ($670) is ruched black satin with an asymmetric skirt that opens to a teal lining.

The coat that goes over it

A gown that reaches the ankle or the floor needs a coat that ends above its hem, so the skirt shows below. The Nicole Wool Wrap Coat in Solid Black ($825) ends at mid calf. The Lucy Wool Coat with Faux Fur Collar in Black ($910) ends at or just below the knee, and its collar detaches. The Selina Wool Cape in Black ($770) ends at the hip and is worn open, so the whole skirt stays in view. The full guide to what to wear over an evening gown sets each coat against each gown.

For a second opinion on the hour and the room, read what to wear to a charity gala and what to wear to your partner’s work gala. For the dress code that sits between a gown and a cocktail dress, see black tie optional outfits. For work events with a stage, see executive and keynote outfits. Every occasion is on the Shop by Occasion page.

Questions before you choose

What should a woman wear to a charity gala?

Follow the dress code on the invitation. For black tie, wear a floor length gown. For black tie optional, a gown is the safest choice, and a midi evening dress or a formal jumpsuit is accepted. Choose a deep color or a metallic finish for the evening, and bring a coat that ends above the hem.

Can I wear a jumpsuit to a gala?

Yes, at most charity galas and at every black tie optional event, when the jumpsuit is cut in an evening fabric with wide legs that reach the floor, such as the Tina or the Jody Lace Jumpsuit. For a strict black tie invitation, ask the host first.

Should I wear a long dress or a short dress to a gala?

A long dress is the safest choice at any gala. A midi evening dress works at black tie optional events, and a knee length dress belongs to cocktail attire. When you are unsure, wear the longer hem.

What do I wear over my gown in winter?

Wear a coat or a cape that ends above the hem of the gown. A mid calf wrap coat, a knee length coat with a detachable collar, and a hip length cape all work, and the guide linked above explains which suits which gown.

What if I am a guest of my partner at their company gala?

Dress to the same code as the hosts and choose a color that is quiet enough to stand next to a suit or a tuxedo. A navy or bordeaux gown, or a black jumpsuit with a lace bodice, meets that standard.

Does Luna ship gala outfits free, and can I return them?

Shipping to any US address is free, orders arrive in 2 to 5 days, and every order has 30 days for a return with no questions asked.